American Water Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Group

Gundogs, Sporting

Weight

15.8-18 kg

Height

38-45 cm

Lifespan

10-14 years

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About the American Water Spaniel

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

The American Water Spaniel is one of the livelier dog breeds that also has a lot of affection to give to their human companions. The name originates from the fact that the dogs were bred to hunt efficiently, and they particularly specialise in waterfowl.

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What is the history & origin of the American Water Spaniel?

This dog has been around since the 18th century and was developed by European settlers in the Great Lakes region of the United States as working dogs that retrieved birds from both land and water. They are popular with more than one national breed club, whether that be The Canadian Kennel Club, the American Water Spaniel Club, or the United Kennel Club.

What is an American Water Spaniel breed?

The American Water Spaniel dog breed is a rare breed. This medium-sized dog has a lovely thick curly coat. They vary between shades of brown, dark chocolate and solid liver, and while they are active dogs, they also enjoy interaction and affection too.

Who is an American Water Spaniel best for?

As you can see from the history of the breed, the AWS dog excels at sport and thus requires a family that can give them the amount of exercise they require. Due to their physical and mental needs, it is probably best that only experienced dog owners should think about rehoming a hunting dog such as the American Water Spaniel.

American Water Spaniel Grooming & Shedding

The double coat of the AWS means regular, weekly brushing is a strict requirement to make sure your dog stays in good shape. This dog breed has an oily coat that aids with water resistance, so it is important that you do not bathe your AWS too often as this can remove the oil.

Water Spaniels shed their coats in the spring but overall are not massive shedders compared to other dogs. In the summer, the outer coat is sparser, therefore the American Kennel Club recommend using a rubber-tipped pin brush.

As well as brushing your dog and bathing only when necessary, it is also a good idea to brush their teeth to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Always dry your dog’s ears after they have had a bath, and check them regularly to see if they need a clean. This helps protect against infection. You should also clip their nails if they have not worn down naturally over time.

Do American Water Spaniels bark a lot?

While not a constant barker, a Water Spaniel can quickly become vocal if they are left alone for too long and get bored. The AWS breed needs constant human interaction and can’t be left to their own devices for too long.

What is the average weight & height of an American Water Spaniel dog?

The AWS range from 38-45 cm in height. Male dogs tend to be heavier at 15.8-18 kg, whereas female dogs range from 11-18 kg.

Are American Water Spaniels easy to train?

If it has not yet been emphasised enough that these hunting dogs require a lot of training then hopefully now it is clear enough, that your AWS needs comprehensive training right from the start of their life. Without proper training, the dog may grow up being apprehensive and nervous about new people and places.

As with most dog breeds, early socialization is key and it is best to start the training from when your dog is a puppy. The breed excels the most when positive reinforcement methods are used in training, so there should be lots of praise and treats on offer. As well as obedience training, the breed is happiest with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation too.

American Water Spaniel owners tend to like to involve their pets in dog sports as their high energy suits play games very well.

How do American Water Spaniels behave? A look at their temperament and personality

In general, the American Water Spaniel has a great temperament and loves being around its family. Things can go awry if your AWS is left alone for too long as they become bored easily. In addition, Water Spaniels do not like being spoken to sternly, so it is always best to use gentle training methods that reward rather than punish your dog.

The breed can be stubborn and even manipulative at times, so it is best to establish the ground rules early on. It is also true that the AWS latch on to one family member, usually the ones that spend the most time with them and may not be as affectionate with others in the household.

In a similar sense, the American Water Spaniel Dog has been known to be unfriendly and even aggressive at times with other dogs when they are out and about. It is for this reason that it is best to socialise your AWS from a young age.

Does the American Water Spaniel have any common health issues?

While generally healthy, you’ll find that Water Spaniels are prone to particular health conditions. Hip dysplasia, which effectively is a weakened hip joint, is common in this breed and many other breeds too.

American Water Spaniels are also at risk of developing alopecia. This is where a dog’s hair thins and eventually falls out over time in particular areas. There are no known methods of preventing a dog from getting this condition. Another condition that causes hair loss is Growth hormone-responsive Dermatitis, which affects males between 1 and 5 years of age.

The breed also can experience health problems relating to the eyes, such as Cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

What is the lifespan of an American Water Spaniel?

The average life expectancy of the American Water Spaniel is 10 to 14 years.

How much does an American Water Spaniel need to be fed?

According to the American Kennel Club, an adult dog of this breed requires high-quality food, whether it is prepared at home after consultation with a professional or bought in a store. Food should be split into two meals daily, and owners should be careful not to overindulge their pets with treats.

One of the easiest ways to tell if your AWS is overweight or obese is to stand over your dog’s body and look down. From above, the dog’s waist and hips should be narrower than the chest and ribcage. If this is not the case, then your dog is most likely overweight and should be taken to see a vet as soon as possible.

How much can you expect to pay for an American Water Spaniel in Australia?

It is always the best idea to visit your local animal shelter or rehoming centre when you are looking for a new dog. There are many dogs out there that have been abandoned and are looking for a loving family, and would otherwise be stuck in kennels.

If you are determined to buy an American Water Spaniel puppy, then make sure you do your research to find a responsible breeder. If things look too good to be true, then it’s likely that you have not yet found a reputable breeder.

The price of an AWS puppy can vary from $900 to $1500.

American Water Spaniel FAQs

What is the difference between an American Water Spaniel and a Boykin spaniel?

Indeed, American Water Spaniels are often mixed up with Boykin Spaniels, as they were both originally bred in America. From the first look, they are incredibly similar in appearance, although dog experts would be able to differentiate between the liver, brown and dark chocolate fur of the AWS and the solid brown, rich liver and dark chocolate Boykin spaniel.

Another difference is the outer coats. The AWS will either have flat waves or a densely curly outer coat, and the Boykin usually has curls that are less tight and wavier, which can look fluffy due to the feathering on different parts of the body, such as the feet and legs.

Are American Water Spaniels good swimmers?

For this answer, the clue is definitely in the name! American Water Spaniels were bred to fetch birds from land and sea, and have water-resistant double coats as well as oil on their outer layer to help them swim better.

The AWS is an active dog and it’s a great idea to include swimming as one of the activities for their daily exercise.

Do American Water Spaniel dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

This type of spaniel is not a pet that you can happily leave at home on their own knowing that they will be ok. They require regular human interaction and for this reason make great family dogs, although they do tend to form a tight bond with one family member in particular which is usually the person they spend the most time with.

You can tell if your AWS has developed separation anxiety if they start to bark more excessively than usual. It can be common for dogs to start to chew and scratch, or even destroy furniture and walls when they have separation anxiety.

If your dog is showing any of these signs, then it means they want to spend more time with you. One solution is to make your dogs walk longer so that your dog gets to run free for a longer period and burn off more energy. It can also be a good idea to play with your dog throughout the day using mentally stimulating toys.